The 22-passenger Origin motor vessel combines modern sophistication and a high level of comfort and service, with indoor and al-fresco gourmet dining experiences, exciting physical activities and a dose of intellectual science providing guests a life enriching Galapagos experience. On this wonderful 8-day/7-night Galapagos cruise through the western islands of the archipelago, Giant Galapagos tortoises, tiny endemic penguins, Blue-footed boobies, and playful seals are just some of the fascinating wildlife to which you will be treated. Sailing on board the 22-passenger Origin motor vessel, your adventure will take you to explore the very best on land and in the water as experienced guides and knowledgeable naturalists keep you informed every step of the way. Visiting points as diverse as Black Turtle Cove, Prince Phillip’s Steps, and the Charles Darwin Tortoise Breeding Station, your appreciation of the wonders of the world will be transformed on this amazing Galapagos Islands tour.

Testimonials

“We had an absolutely amazing trip! Surtrek coordinated a Galapagos Cruise on the Natural Paradise yacht and then a stay at the Napo Wildlife Center. Everything was beyond our expectations!! I highly recommend Surtrek.”Janda Terese Stevens

Day 7: Santa Cruz Island: The Highlands – Charles Darwin Research Station

Day 8: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center – Airport

Galapagos Map

Origin Vessel: Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday

San Cristobal Island: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno – La Galapaguera

AM: Upon arrival in the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, our crew will be waiting at the airport to escort you by bus to the dock and then by Zodiac to your yacht anchored in the bay. After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch will be served.

PM: One of the main attractions of San Cristobal Island is the Galapaguera Tortoise Breeding Center, where you will see enormous Galapagos tortoises, as well as iguanas. As the natural population of tortoises from San Cristobal Island is seriously threatened by animals introduced onto the island by humans – mainly wild goats, cats and rats – the center is attempting to increase the number of tortoises as well as eradicate threatening species. Close to the center is an easy trail that covers a distance of 900 meters; along this trail, you will see different species of native and endemic plants of the Galapagos, like cat’s claw, manzanillo, romerillo, and acacia. Be careful not to touch or eat the manzanillo fruits as these are toxic. San Cristobal Island is also one of the few islands where you can see the plant calandrinia galapagosa, which is in danger of extinction.

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Lunch - Dinner

Day 2 - Monday

Genovesa Island: Prince Philip’s Steps - Darwin Bay

AM: After breakfast on deck or dining inside the ship, we will make a dry-landing on Genovesa Island at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, you will find Storm Petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, you will see the elusive Short-eared owl. Look for beautiful Red-billed Tropicbirds found in the crevices along the cliff by kayak or Zodiac. You can choose to swim or snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters; or, for those with experience, we will offer snorkeling in deeper water. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner before we will cross the equator.

PM: We will spend the entire day on Genovesa Island, considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in Galapagos for it bird species. We will make a wet-landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where Swallow-tailed and Lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Opuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of Great Frigatebirds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich intertidal zone where you will find a wide diversity of wildlife.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday

Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach - Dragon Hill

AM: Today we will visit the beach called Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for “barges.” There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where you will find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach.

PM: Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz is Dragon Hill. Along the trail, you will find Darwin Finches, Galapagos Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Audubon Shearwater and the endemic land iguanas, orange-yellow in color with large spines along their backs, which were once part of the Darwin Station’s breeding program. You will also find pink flamingos feeding in the salt-water lagoon. Other lagoon birds include Stilts, Pintail ducks, Sandpipers and more. From the top of the hill, you will enjoy a majestic view of the bay island covered in Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Cordia Lutea (muyuyu). After the briefing and dinner, we will sail to the western islands and cross the equator line for the second time.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 4 - Wednesday

Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca - Urbina Bay

AM: Located at the “mouth” of the head of the seahorse that forms the northern part of Isabela Island is Punta Vicente Roca, an interesting rock formation. Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves, with a bay that’s well-protected from the ocean swells. With a bit of luck, you can see Galapagos penguins, while Masked- and Blue-footed boobies, as well as pelicans, sit perched along the point and its sheer cliffs, while flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline. The upwelling of currents of cool water in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, which makes Vicente Roca Point a great area for deep-water snorkeling.

PM: Urbina Bay is home to the very large and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, and occasionally giant tortoises, Darwin finches, though Brown pelicans and Flightless cormorants also nest here. Giant marine Iguanas are seen along the coast. You may encounter penguins while snorkeling here. You might just spot the dorsal fin of a Mola Mola, an odd looking giant sunfish. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 5 - Thursday

Fernandina Island: Punta Espinosa // Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

AM: We will make a semi-wet landing at Espinoza Point, on Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos, and having no introduced mammals. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless cormorants build their nest on the point while Galapagos hawks fly overhead. There will be a chance to snorkel here with sea turtles.

PM: After a dry landing, we will visit Isabela Island’s notorious Tagus Cove, which was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Still exiting here is some graffiti that is believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates …a curious reminder of an intriguing past. Perched on the ledges of the cliffs around this deep blue bay, you can observe a large number of Blue-footed boobies, as well as marine iguanas, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, swallow-tailed gulls and tiny Galapagos penguins (members of the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator). A steep trail also passes through an area of dry vegetation and volcanic landscapes with scalesia woods and cactuses.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 6 - Friday

Rábida Island / Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

AM: In the morning we will take a trip to the dark-rust-colored beach of the small, volcanic Rabida Island. A short path leads to a small lagoon that is popular among flamingos. This beach is one of the most beautiful snorkeling places in the Galapagos Islands and it has a great abundance of tropical fish and sea lions. Rábida Island is also the only site where Batfish live.

PM: Today we will visit Black Turtle Cove, a nesting site for sea turtles, which peak their heads above the surface of the water while fish and other forms of marine life circle below. With luck, the calm water will allow you to see different types of sharks (like the Whitetip reef shark) and schools of golden-colored Mustard rays. There are a number of mangrove forests here as well.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 7 - Saturday

Santa Cruz Island: The Highlands – Charles Darwin Research Station

AM: We will travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Here, we will visit the tortoise reserve at “Las Primicias,” one of the private farms in the highlands where you will encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We will stop at “the tunnels,” the largest lava tubes found in the Galapagos. Look out for the bright red male vermilion flycatchers.

PM: After lunch, we will have our last briefing. Today we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. See all three tortoise corrals, in addition to the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We will stop at Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. The town of Puerto Ayora is the social heart of the islands with the largest population, 24,000 inhabitants. This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town later to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café. Those zodiacs will also be available to return you to the yacht.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Day 8 - Sunday

San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center – Airport

AM: By bus, we will visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999. Here you will gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we will spend some time in port before heading to the San Cristobal airport for our flight back to the mainland departing before noon time.

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Breakfast

Origin Vessel: Prices

2018 - Price per person

Days

Beagle Deck

Single

Double

Triple

8

US$ 13,735

US$ 7,850

US$ 7,650

Included in the price:

A cruise on board the Origin

accommodations in a double cabin with private facilities

all meals as indicated in the itinerary

all transfers in the Galapagos Islands

services of an English/Spanish-speaking naturalist guide on daily excursions and during briefings